Prepared Dad Program: Supporting First-Time Fathers

Prepared Dad Program Assessment - A mixed methods study to evaluate the influence of participating in the Prepared Dad Program on the knowledge, perception, and attitude of first time fathers regarding their fatherhood transition support.

The Prepared Dad Program was developed to provide first time fathers education and practical tools essential for supporting their transition to fatherhood.

The course content is delivered 2 hours per week over 3 consecutive weeks and is co-facilitated by a clinical midwife. Fathers are then supported by an online community through events and social media, fostering a sense of connection during their perinatal fatherhood journey.

This study will provide vital evidence on the feasibility of offering education and information to empower fathers-to-be to support their family during labor, birth, and throughout the postnatal period.

The 12-month study will involve pre and post workshop questionnaire data, which will inform interviews conducted 6-8 weeks postnatally. Depending on the outcomes of the assessment, further research may be conducted longitudinally on the same cohort of fathers.

Objectives:

- To measure fathers' levels of knowledge, perception, and attitude pre and post attending the Prepared Dad Program.

- To explore participant views and experiences of perinatal fatherhood pre and post attending the Prepared Dad Program and 6 to 8 weeks postnatally.

- To assess fathers' understanding of their supportive role during pregnancy, childbirth, and the transition to fatherhood, pre and post Prepared Dad Program attendance.

- To evaluate fathers' levels of satisfaction after completing the Prepared Dad Program.

- To assess the impact of attendance at the Prepared Dad Program on birth outcomes.